Abstract: Aptamers are short-chain oligonucleotides sequence selected from synthetic random single-stranded oligonucleotide libraries via a technology of Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential Enrichment（SELEX）. They have the advantages of low molecular weight,simple structure,easily modified,and wide-ranging target,as well as high specificity and affinity with target molecules. Correspondingly,these characteristics of aptamers may be applied for preparing a variety of sensors. Accordingly to the different principles of various aptamers-based sensors to detect their targets,here we focus on electrochemical,optical,and piezoelectric crystal sensors that are commonly used for detecting the affinity between aptamers and target. These three methods all have the advantages of short detection time and low detection limit. Piezoelectric crystal sensor is also called quartz crystal microbalance（QCM）. In addition to characterization of candidate aptamers during SELEX process,aptamers-based quartz crystal sensors can be built up with QCM to detect their targets with high sensitivity and high specificity. Thus,the basic principle of aptamer-based quartz crystal microbalance sensor is briefly introduced. Further,the recently published reports of QCM on the characterization and detection of interactions between aptamers and their targets,including the small molecules,ions,proteins,cells,bacteria,and viruses,are reviewed. Moreover,the advantages and disadvantages of QCM technology are summarized and analyzed. This review is aimed at providing a reference for the screening of aptamers and their further application in basic research,clinical diagnosis and disease treatment.

Key words: aptamer, biosensor, quartz crystal microbalance, detection